Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum Schwarzkopf

Aeonium arboreum 'Schwarzkopf' is a particularly ornamental variety of Aeonium. This small evergreen and not very hardy bush is attractive for its exotic appearance reminiscent of desert plants, and for its curious foliage composed of almost black, shiny, succulent leaves arranged in rosettes at the end of thick branches. Its spring flowering in golden yellow pyramidal spikes forms a superb contrast with its dark foliage. Perfectly adapted for pot culture, it is a plant that requires well-drained, dry soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.

The 'Schwarzkopf' Aeonium, sometimes marketed as 'Zwartkop', is a cultivar derived from Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum. It belongs to the family of Crassulaceae, just like joubarbes (sempervivums). It is native to Mediterranean islands, mainly the Canary Islands, but also the Atlantic coast of Morocco. In nature, it is mainly found in rather wooded areas at low altitudes. Naturalized in many countries in coastal climates, this plant can only tolerate light frosts, around -4°C (24.8 °F), for short periods. This small ramified bush has a bushy habit. It can reach a height of 80cm (31.5in), with a diameter of 60cm (23.6in). Its growth is quite slow. The leaves, with a beautiful metallic black colour with purple or brown reflections, are all arranged in rosettes at the end of thick branches. The basal leaves of the rosette fall off as the plant grows, leaving very visible leaf scars on the grey-brown branch. Each rosette, 10 to 20cm (3.9 to 7.9in) wide, more or less flattened and concave, consists of 50 to 75 tightly packed leaves. The leaves, 5 to 15cm (2 to 5.9in) long, are oblong-oblanceolate, thick, leathery, and fleshy, with a ciliate edge. The flowering, which occurs in spring in our climates, appears on certain branches, in the centre of certain rosettes. It takes the form of a dense, conical inflorescence composed of star-shaped flowers, 2cm (0.8in) wide and bright yellow in colour. Each flower has 9 to 11 thin, elongated petals. The branch usually dies after flowering.

This curious bush from mild climates and poor soils is perfectly adapted to drought and pot culture. Create an exotic atmosphere on your terrace or balcony by associating it, for example, with Proteas, bottlebrushes, palm trees, Agaves, or Melianthus major. In coastal regions, you can plant it directly in the ground, in soil lightened with coarse sand, or in a large rockery. In colder regions, growing in large pots is very easy; just make sure to provide good drainage and water abundantly but spaced out in time, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings.